The majority of responsible gun owners would do well to counter extreme views in their own ranks if they want to maintain public support for Second Amendment rights. Our Constitution is not written in stone, and interpretations of its meaning can change over time if public opinion shifts in a different direction.

The lack of sensitivity regarding displaying semi-automatic weapons at the upcoming Barre gun show following the Connecticut school shootings is a case in point. If the gun owner community won’t consider sensible restraint, they illustrate the rationale for external controls and perhaps a good reason to cancel the show entirely.